|
|
|
But John "Randy" Parten of Houston, Texas said that he still plans to run the first luxury passenger train through the region next summer. "They (BAR) had hoped to work out their (financial) problems before the end of July, but July has come and gone," Parten said. A press release from Fred Yocum, president of BAR, indicated that the line will continue to maintain its schedule and commitment to its customers. "One thing for sure: We want to be part of the solution by bringing significant new business to the line, not part of the problem. I hope they get it worked out soon," Parten added. Acadian Railway plans to run 14 trips from Montreal to Halifax via existing rail lines starting next summer with a two-day stopover in Greenville. The firm has already purchased the former Cangiano's Restaurant in Moosehead Junction Township to be used as its Maine office. State Rep. Sharon Libby Jones of Greenville also expressed hopes that BAR can solve its financial problems. "We need a stable and efficient railroad system to ensure the prosperity of businesses in this part of Maine, and this suit may finally bring closure to the problem, which has been going on far too long," Jones said. Jones, Maine Senate President Michael Michaud and several other lawmakers have been in constant touch with Yocum, the Maine Department of Transportation, U.S. Rep. John Baldacci and the Surface Transportation Board over the state's railroad service. "Our goal is to ensure that the railroad system remains intact, and that no line is abandoned," said Jones. "We would prefer that the BAR be taken over by a single firm." |